AirTag batteries last about a year before they need replacing

An AirTag uses a standard CR2032 coin cell battery that typically lasts around one year with normal use. When the battery runs low, your iPhone will send you a notification saying "AirTag battery is low" — that is your signal to replace it. The whole process takes less than a minute and requires no tools.

You can buy CR2032 batteries at most drugstores, supermarkets, electronics retailers, and online. They cost between $3 and $8 for a single battery, or less per battery if you buy a pack of several. Any CR2032 will work — the battery does not need to be Apple-branded.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTag batteries are standard CR2032 coin cells that you can buy at any drugstore or supermarket for a few dollars.
  • Your iPhone will notify you when the battery is low, giving you time to replace it before the AirTag stops working.
  • The replacement process requires no tools — you twist the back of the AirTag and swap out the old battery for a new one.
  • After you insert the new battery, hold the AirTag near your iPhone to confirm the connection is working.

How to open the AirTag and remove the old battery

Hold the AirTag with the white plastic side facing up. The stainless steel back has a small notch on one edge. Press your fingernail or a coin into that notch and twist the steel back counterclockwise — it will pop off after a quarter turn or so.

Inside you will see the battery sitting in a small circular holder. It has a white plastic tab sticking out from underneath. Lift the tab gently and the battery will come out. Set the old battery aside — you can throw it in the trash or recycle it at a store that accepts batteries.

Installing the new battery

Take your new CR2032 battery and check which side is which. The flat side should face down into the holder, and the raised side (marked with a plus sign) should face up toward you. Slide the battery into the holder with the raised side up, then press down gently until you hear or feel a small click.

The white plastic tab will fold back over the battery automatically as you press it down. This tab helps hold the battery in place. Once the battery is seated, twist the steel back clockwise until it clicks — you will feel it snap into place.

Confirming the new battery is working

After you close the AirTag, hold it within a few inches of your iPhone. Your phone should recognize the AirTag and show a notification that the battery is now good. If you do not see a notification within a few seconds, try moving the AirTag closer to your phone or restarting Bluetooth on your iPhone.

Open the Find My app and tap Items, then tap your AirTag. The battery level should now show as full or nearly full. If it still shows low or does not update, try removing the battery and reinserting it to make sure it is making good contact with the holder.

What to do if the battery does not fit or the back will not close

If you bought a CR2032 but it seems too thick or the back will not twist closed, you may have a slightly different battery size. CR2032 is the correct size — if your battery is labeled CR2025 or CR2016, it is the wrong one and will not work. Return it and get a CR2032 instead.

If the back of the AirTag is cracked or the threads are stripped, the battery may not stay in place. In that case, the AirTag itself may need to be replaced. You can contact Apple Support to discuss repair or replacement options.

How often you will need to replace the battery

Most people replace their AirTag battery once a year. The exact timing depends on how often you use the Find My app to locate the AirTag and how frequently the AirTag sends location updates to your phone. If you use it heavily — checking its location several times a day — the battery may last eight or nine months. If you use it lightly, it might last 14 or 15 months.

Your iPhone will notify you when the battery drops to about 10 percent capacity, so you will have a few weeks of warning before the AirTag stops working. This gives you time to buy a replacement battery without the AirTag becoming useless.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a rechargeable CR2032 battery in my AirTag?

Rechargeable CR2032 batteries exist, but they work less reliably in AirTags than standard alkaline ones. Rechargeable versions have a lower voltage and may not power the AirTag for as long. Stick with a standard alkaline CR2032 for the most consistent performance.

What happens if I put the battery in backwards?

If you insert the battery with the flat side facing up instead of down, the AirTag will not work and your iPhone will not recognize it. The battery will not damage anything — straightforward remove it, flip it over, and reinsert it the correct way.

Do I need to reset my AirTag after changing the battery?

No. Once you insert the new battery and close the back, your iPhone will automatically reconnect to the AirTag within a few seconds. You do not need to unpair it or set it up again.

Where is the best place to buy CR2032 batteries?

Drugstores like CVS and Walgreens, supermarkets, and electronics stores like Best Buy all carry CR2032 batteries. Online retailers like Amazon also sell them. Buying a pack of several batteries at once is usually cheaper per battery than buying a single one.